IT raids former minister Naba Das’ residence; 20 teams in action

Bhubaneswar: The Income Tax Department Thursday conducted widespread raids at properties linked to the late Odisha Health Minister and senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Naba Das. According to sources, searches were carried out at more than 20 locations, including Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Bhubaneswar and other areas.

The raids are part of an ongoing investigation into alleged tax evasion. Following complaints of financial irregularities, the department deployed around 20 teams for the operation, reportedly coordinated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Earlier this year, the IT department had also raided the residence of Naba Das’ brother, Braja Das. Teams from Bhubaneswar and Chhattisgarh participated in that action. Several luxury cars were reportedly found during the search.

A few months ago, the department conducted a raid at the residence of Ashish Das, the personal assistant to Vishal Das, Naba Das’ son and brother of Jharsuguda Assembly candidate Deepali Das. During that raid, IT officials summoned Vishal Das to a private hotel in Jharsuguda, where he was questioned for nearly four hours.

According to the latest information, raids were also carried out at the residence of Sanjay Nanda in Sundargarh. Nanda, a known associate and business partner of the late minister, is said to be involved in the coal trade.

The raids have sparked political buzz across Odisha, given Naba Das’ influential role in state politics before his death.

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